Push your style limits with Yan Ray

Live in the now, always move forward, and don’t forget your sunglasses.

May 22, 2017

Photo: Adam Katz Sinding

A fashion photographer and the co-founder of a modelling agency, Yan Ray is very much one of the key players on Kazakhstan’s emerging fashion scene. Internationally, his bold and modern style has become a favourite amongst street style photographers. We asked Yan Ray to style his favourite looks from H&M’s latest collection – and to share his personal views on fashion.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER?
”Alexander McQueen. After he passed away, I had a chance to photograph his debut collection. He was a visionary who was not afraid to break the rules. A true fashion rebel.”

WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON?
”It might sound selfish, but I am my own style icon. I am a very intuitive person, everything comes from my guts. I like to surprise myself. Thus, I do not specifically look at other people, but rather let my own brain dictate my style for me.”

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
”I love to experiment. I don’t like being too comfortable, to stand still. I always move forward. This applies to my clothes, my hair, even my work. So, I guess my signature style is not having one.”

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE ON EARTH?
”My favourite place on Earth is where my friends and my loved ones are. And where they serve champagne, of course.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?
”Nothing too fancy, I’m not into molecular gastronomy or anything like that. Just make sure it’s fresh and healthy and I’ll eat it.”

IF YOU HAD TO LEAVE YOUR APARTMENT IN A HURRY, WHAT WOULD YOU GRAB?
”Sunglasses. Even the most boring outfit can be spiced up by a cool pair of shades.”

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO LOOK?
”Blue jeans, white shirt – just like in that Lana Del Rey song.”

WHY IS FASHION IMPORTANT?
”Fashion gives us a place on the global historical timeline. It is a part of human identity, human culture. It is a great tool to express yourself, as well.”

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN HISTORY, WHAT FASHION ERA WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN?
”I would live now. Now is a time of great creative freedom. I can mix and match vintage clothing from the past with the pieces of modern fashion and I just love that!”

WHAT ITEM WOULD YOU NEVER PART FROM?
”Even though I still have clothes from when I was a teenager, I try not to attach any feelings to them. At the end of the day, clothes are just clothes. They bring you joy and lift your mood, and that I would remember.”

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?
”A magician. I’ve learned some tricks, but not the really magic ones.”

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY FASHION PLEASURE?
”Wearing pyjamas out on the town. Simple and chic.”